Bullet Coffee: Keto-Friendly Super Drink?

Bulletproof coffee, also known as keto coffee, is a creamy, frothy coffee made with butter or ghee, and either coconut oil or MCT oil. It is blended to create a smooth, creamy texture similar to a latte. The addition of fats to the coffee is said to provide sustained energy and increase satiety, making it a popular choice for those following a keto diet.

What is bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is a creamy, frothy coffee drink that is popular among those following a keto or low-carb diet. It is made by blending freshly brewed black coffee or espresso with grass-fed butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. The result is a rich, creamy coffee filled with healthy fats that can keep you full and provide sustained energy until your next meal.

The original Bulletproof Coffee recipe was created by Dave Asprey and is said to have been inspired by his experience drinking yak butter tea in Tibet. The recipe typically calls for two parts butter to one part MCT oil, but some variations include additional ingredients such as coconut oil, heavy cream, or sweetener.

Bulletproof Coffee is designed to be a filling and energizing breakfast replacement, providing a combination of caffeine and healthy fats that can enhance mental focus and provide a steady source of energy throughout the morning. However, it is important to note that Bulletproof Coffee is high in saturated fat and may not be suitable for those with high cholesterol or other health concerns.

How to make bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of coffee, fats, and other optional ingredients. It is designed to be a liquid breakfast, keeping you energised and full until lunchtime.

Ingredients:

• Coffee: Use high-quality, freshly brewed coffee.
• Butter: Use grass-fed, unsalted butter for the best health benefits.
• Ghee: Ghee is a lactose-free alternative to butter and makes the coffee extra creamy.
• MCT Oil: Derived from coconuts, this colourless, odourless oil is a great source of energy.

Optional Ingredients:

• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: Contains over 84 minerals and enhances the flavour of the coffee.
• Ground Cinnamon: Loaded with antioxidants and linked to reduced risk of heart disease.
• Collagen Peptides: For a boost of collagen protein.
• Sweetener: Add stevia, agave nectar, or another sweetener of your choice.
• Cocoa Powder: For a touch of chocolatey flavour.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of vanilla flavour.

Method:

• Brew your coffee.
• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until frothy.
• Pour into a mug and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you don't have a blender, you can use a milk frother instead.
• If you are making cold brew coffee, use ghee instead of butter.
• If you are dairy-free, try coconut oil or coconut milk instead of butter and ghee.

The benefits of bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter). Here are some of the benefits of bulletproof coffee:

Sustained Energy

The combination of coffee and high-quality fats in bulletproof coffee provides sustained energy throughout the day without the dreaded energy crashes. The MCT oil in particular is a quick and accessible source of energy for your body and brain.

Increased Satiety

The rich flavours of coffee and high-quality fats in bulletproof coffee help increase satiety and curb your appetite. The MCT oil has been shown to increase feelings of fullness, while the butter adds creaminess and gives a frothy head similar to a latte.

Cognitive Function Support

Bulletproof coffee enhances cognitive function and improves focus. MCT oil and butter are metabolized into ketones, which can be used as fuel for the brain, especially for those following a ketogenic diet.

Weight Management

Bulletproof coffee supports weight management. MCT oil has been shown to support weight management and control appetite. Additionally, the healthy fats in bulletproof coffee keep you full and satiated for longer.

Overall Wellness

Incorporating bulletproof coffee into a well-balanced diet and active lifestyle can contribute to overall wellness. It can be a delicious and satisfying addition to a healthy lifestyle, providing a boost of energy and focus without the negative side effects of traditional morning pick-me-ups.

What to add to your bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a combination of fat (butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil) and coffee. The original version of bulletproof coffee is two parts butter to one part MCT oil. However, you can experiment with different fats and add-ins to find your perfect cup. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Butter or Ghee

Use unsalted, grass-fed butter for the best nutrition and health benefits. Butter has more omega-3s than conventional butter and can potentially lower inflammation. Ghee is clarified butter, which is easier to digest for those with dairy intolerances. If you are sensitive to dairy, you can use the same amount of ghee or coconut oil, but the flavour and texture will differ slightly.

MCT Oil

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are fatty acids found in coconut oil. MCT oil is known to aid in weight loss and fat burning. Look for an MCT oil blend with C8 and C10 MCTs, or just C8 MCTs for the most potent benefits. If you don't have MCT oil, you can use coconut oil, which is a less concentrated version of MCTs.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream will give your bulletproof coffee a super smooth texture and a more traditional latte feel.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a high-fat, dairy-free option perfect for people who are lactose intolerant. It also adds a naturally sweet tropical flavour.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen adds protein and makes your coffee thick and creamy. It's a great option if you don't like the grainy texture of regular protein powder.

Liquid Stevia

Liquid stevia is a naturally sugar-free way to add sweetness to your bulletproof coffee. It's also less likely to cause a stomach ache than other artificial sweeteners.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon combines perfectly with the coffee and grass-fed butter to give your keto coffee a great taste without adding artificial sweetness.

Cocoa Powder

Some people add cocoa powder to their bulletproof coffee, but it can make the drink bitter, so proceed with caution!

Sugar-Free Syrups

Sugar-free syrups, such as caramel or hazelnut, can add different flavours to your bulletproof coffee while keeping it keto-friendly.

Brain Octane

Brain Octane is a concentrated form of MCT oil that is said to have cognitive benefits. It's more expensive, but some people find it worth the investment.

Keto-Friendly Milk Alternatives

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk in your bulletproof coffee. Just make sure to choose a sugar-free, low-carb variety.

How bulletproof coffee differs from regular coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter). It is also known as keto or butter coffee. The drink was created by entrepreneur and health advocate Dave Asprey, who was inspired by a transformative experience with yak butter tea in Tibet. Bulletproof coffee differs from regular coffee in several ways:

Ingredients

Firstly, bulletproof coffee contains additional ingredients not usually found in regular coffee. These include MCT oil and grass-fed ghee or butter. MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and contains medium-chain triglycerides, which can be rapidly metabolised by the body, providing a quick source of energy. Grass-fed ghee or butter adds a rich, creamy texture and contributes to the taste profile of the drink. It is also a source of vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid.

Preparation

Secondly, bulletproof coffee is prepared differently from regular coffee. To make bulletproof coffee, the ingredients are blended together until the drink achieves a creamy, frothy texture similar to a latte. In contrast, regular coffee is typically prepared by brewing ground coffee beans with hot water and may be served black or with milk, sugar, or other additives.

Taste and Texture

Thirdly, bulletproof coffee has a unique taste and texture compared to regular coffee. The addition of MCT oil and grass-fed ghee or butter gives bulletproof coffee a rich, creamy, and frothy texture that is not usually found in regular coffee. The fat content in bulletproof coffee also affects its taste, making it more robust and satisfying.

Nutritional Profile

Finally, bulletproof coffee has a different nutritional profile from regular coffee. Bulletproof coffee is high in calories and saturated fat, with a single cup containing up to 22 grams of saturated fat. This far exceeds the recommended daily intake of saturated fat. In contrast, regular coffee is typically lower in calories and saturated fat, especially when consumed black. Bulletproof coffee also lacks essential nutrients like protein and fibre, which are important for satiety and overall health.

Frequently asked questions